29th June 2007

THE PUBLIC AND BUSINESSES MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN REDUCING THE IMPACT OF CIGARETTE LITTER

In the lead up to the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has warned that councils in England will face an additional burden in keeping our streets clean.
 
Currently, the CIWM estimates that over 100 tonnes of cigarette litter is discarded on England’s streets every day and this figure is set to rise as smokers take to the outdoors following the implementation of the smoke free legislation.

Following the ban in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin reported a 20 per cent increase in cigarette litter, and in Wales, a Keep Wales Tidy survey found cigarette butts were present in nearly 99% of areas.

“If this impact is mirrored in England, it will put a significant additional burden on our council street cleansing teams,” says CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee. “The Government has provided funding for the enforcement of the legislation but cleaning up the additional litter also has financial implications for English councils.

“While the principle behind the legislation is laudable, this will stretch council street cleansing budgets even further as they strive to maintain performance standards. We all want clean streets and individuals and businesses must play their part and act responsibly to comply with the legislation and keep our environment free from cigarette litter.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers.  CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Contacts:

Pat Jennings
Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07881 878568
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk

Chris Murphy
Deputy Chief Executive
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07860 519276
E-mail: chris.murphy@ciwm.co.uk